How government shutdown affects Gettysburg battlefield & other midstate agencies

(Gettysburg) — Gettysburg National Military Park will stay open in the middle of a government shutdown, but services may be different. 

According to the park’s website, the museum and visitor center will stay open. It will operate under its normal hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

However, certain programs have been canceled. The park’s website said winter lectures, winter reading adventures, the battlefield book series and Jared Frederick’s book signing were canceled. 

All buildings at Valley Forge National Historical Park have closed, according to the park’s website. However, park grounds, roads, trails and parking areas are still open as the park gates will open and close at their normal times. 

“Park visitors are advised to use caution if choosing to enter NPS property, as NPS personnel will not be available to provide guidance, assistance, maintenance, or emergency response,” the park’s website said. “Any entry onto NPS property during this period of federal government shutdown is at the visitor’s sole risk.” 

The website also said the park will not issue permits, conduct educational programs, collect trash, operate or provide restrooms, maintain roads and walkways or provide visitor information and services. 

In Lebanon, the shutdown will not affect the Lebanon VA Medical Center, Nurse Officer of the Day Brenda Bashore said. USA Today said all veterans’ hospitals will continue to operate during the shutdown. 

The federal government began shutting down Friday at midnight when Congress failed to pass a spending bill. USA Today said “essential” federal employees are still working, and key government functions such as national security operations and law enforcement are still running. 

Some agencies have extra money that could keep them operating, USA Today said. However, they could close depending on how long the shutdown lasts. 

This story comes to us through a partnership between WITF and The York Daily Record.